Hi Meadowrose,
I'm sorry that I am not writing to give you answers to your questions... in fact I was just thinking of posting when I saw your post and .... jeez it sounds almost as if I could have written it myself. I am also married to a Mexican (he's still a citizen of Mexico) and we have a teenage son. Though we were thinking of moving after he graduates from highschool and I will be old enough for early retirement (55) by that time. We are also considering the Rosarito Beach area. I am also thinking about being close enough to the border so that I could commute as I don't think I would be allowed to be employed in Mexico if I want to keep working. I have no idea if that is a realistic goal or a pipe dream at this point and hope somebody will comment.

From what I have seen regarding real estate taxes compared to where I have lived in the states (California, Texas and Oregon), the cost is miniscule.

I recently called the IRS to see about receiving SS payments when we are living in Mexico. I was told that my husband, though not a citizen of the US, could still receive SS as long as he has worked 10 years in the states even though he will no longer be a legal resident of the US. As for me, there is no problem getting SS payments.

I will be watching your thread as it sounds like we have similar goals and interests. Good luck to you and your family.